Lexington police officer suspended 6 months after using undisclosed substance on-duty
A Lexington police detective has been suspended after he tested positive for alcohol while on the job.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers told the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council during its Thursday meeting that Sean Stafford tested positive for an undisclosed substance.
Weathers said a random drug test completed on Stafford found that he was in violation of a policy banning “use of alcohol, illegal drugs or legal drugs while on duty.” Stafford’s test showed he exceeded a minimum standard, Weathers said.
Lexington Police Sgt. Guy Miller said Friday the substance was alcohol.
Weathers said he recommended a six-month unpaid suspension. Weathers said that he also recommended Stafford be sent to the city’s employee assistance program, which can help city employees with substance use issues.
Weathers said Stafford will have to complete the employee assistance program and a “fit for duty” test before Stafford returns to work. Stafford has been with the department since 2007, Weathers said.
Councilwoman Tayna Fogle said others in the community with substance abuse issues have faced jail time.
“I am disappointed,” Fogle said. “I hope he gets the help that he needs.”
Under state law, more detailed information about an officer’s disciplinary record can’t be released until after that disciplinary action is approved. Lexington posts the disciplinary information on its website after the records are signed and approved.
The council ultimately voted to approve the six-month suspension.
Six-month unpaid suspensions are rare. In March 2020, Jeremiah Terry was suspended for six months for an inappropriate relationship with a citizen. Terry is no longer with the department. A few months later, Bryton Turley was suspended six months after acting “inappropriately” and “unprofessionally,” police said.
Another officer gets two week suspension
Also on Thursday, the council approved a two-week unpaid suspension for officer Caleb Croney after he pursued a vehicle the wrong way down a one-way street without immediately buckling his seat belt and activating his body-worn camera.
Weathers said Croney, who has been with the department since 2020, began the high-speed pursuit after someone allegedly pointed a gun at him while he was in his police vehicle. Weathers said the Lexington Police Department does not allow high-speed pursuits unless there is an immediate threat to human life.
Croney also did not turn on his body-worn camera immediately and was not wearing his seat belt.
Vice Mayor Dan Wu questioned if the two-week unpaid suspension was in line with what other police officers have received for similar offenses.
Weathers said each disciplinary case is different. Croney was accused of violating three different police polices: pursuits, seat belts and body-worn cameras.
Ultimately the council agreed to approve the suspension and a 30-day suspension of his home fleet privileges Home fleet privileges allow police to take their vehicles home. Fogle was the only member to vote against Croney’s disciplinary action.
This story was originally published September 29, 2023 at 8:12 AM.
